Hans Asperger was born on February 18, 1906, in Hausbrunn, Austria. He grew up on a farm with his two younger brothers, in a close-knit family that valued hard work and education. Asperger showed an early interest in human behavior and psychology, which would later shape his career as a neurologist.
Asperger studied medicine at the prestigious University of Vienna, where he earned his medical degree in 1931. During his studies, he became fascinated with the field of neurology, particularly the study of atypical neurological disorders in children. This would become the focus of his research and work in the years to come.
Asperger's career as a physician and researcher was marked by his groundbreaking studies on psychological disorders, particularly in children. He wrote over 300 publications on the subject, but his work did not receive widespread recognition until after his death in the 1980s.
One of Asperger's most notable contributions to the field of neurology was his work on what would later be known as Asperger syndrome. He identified a distinct set of characteristics in children with atypical neurological development, which would later be included in the broader category of autism spectrum disorder.
Despite his contributions to the field of neurology, Asperger's legacy is also marred by his association with the Nazi regime. He was found to have cooperated with the Nazis, referring children with disabilities to a clinic known for practicing euthanasia. Asperger also defended the Nazi practice of eugenics, a dark chapter in his professional history.
Today, Asperger is remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of neurology, particularly for his early research on atypical neurological disorders in children. His namesake syndrome, Asperger syndrome, continues to be studied and understood within the context of autism spectrum disorder.
Despite his troubling past, Asperger's contributions to the field of neurology cannot be denied. His work has helped countless children and families better understand and navigate the complexities of neurological disorders.
One of Asperger's patients was the renowned Austrian writer and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Elfriede Jelinek, highlighting the diverse impact of his research and practice.
Related links